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AMAS®
Test
- What does the AMAS Test measure?
The AMAS Test
measures serum levels of AMA (Anti-Malignin Antibody), an antibody
found to be elevated in most patients with a wide range of active
non-terminal malignancies. AMA is the antibody to Malignin, a
10,000 Dalton polypeptide which has been found to be present in most
malignant cells regardless of cell type or location. Unlike tests
such as CEA, which measure less well-defined antigens whose serum
levels tend to be inconstant but elevated late in the disease, the
AMAS test measures a well-defined antibody whose serum levels rise
early in the course of the disease. In some cases, the AMAS test has
been positive (elevated) early, i.e. 1 to 19 months before clinical
detection. On the other hand, since antibody failure often occurs
late in malignancy, elevated antibody is then no longer available as
evidence of the presence of antigen and therefore, late in the
disease, the AMAS test cannot be used as a diagnostic aid, but may
be useful for monitoring.
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- What benefit does the AMAS Test
provide?
A common clinical
situation involves signs or symptoms suggesting a disorder which may
or may not be malignant. While neither AMAS nor any other clinical
laboratory test can by itself answer this question, AMAS®
Test results may help the physician in the diagnostic process.
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How do I get tested?
Please ask your
doctor. Physicians are recommending and administering the AMAS test
on a regular basis for patients at high risk for cancer, and for
follow-up purposes on patients already diagnosed and/or treated for
cancer.
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- Is this covered by Medicare and insurers?
The AMAS test is
covered by standard Medicare reimbursement to Oncolab. For patients outside the USA,
this test may be claimable through your private health insurance, but since this can change from country to country,
and depend on your health care provider, we would recommend you do your own research. And make sure
you have the support of your treating physician. Patient costs may also vary.
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- How do I find a lab or doctor in my
area who is familiar with the test?
Oncolab now has expanded
nationwide directories of physicians who are familiar with the test, and
laboratories with experience drawing and shipping samples for the test. For
assistance locating a physician or lab in your area, please call the Oncolab at
800-922-8378, 9AM-5PM EST, Monday through Friday.
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